Asbestos is the commercial name given to certain types of fibrous materials which are group of minerals, occur naturally as masses of strong flexible fibers that can be separated in to thin threads.

They are silicates of varying composition. Silica is combined with such bases as magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium and aluminium.





Asbestos is praised throughout history because it is fire resistant, strong, durable and versatile and protect against corrosion. It has got insulating properties and resistance to all atmospheric agents and pollutants.

Depending up on physical properties and structure there are two types of asbestos.

1) Serpentine: In this type of asbestos the fibers are curved and flexible.

Eg: Chrysotile: This type is commonly called white asbestos and is used in insulation, roofing & textiles.

2) Amphibole: Here the fibers are straight & stiff.

Eg: Crocidolite: This type is commonly called blue asbestos used in the manufacture of cement pipes.

Amosite: It is also called brown asbestos used in the manufacture of friction products and fire hoses.

90% of the world's production of asbestos is of the serpentine variety, which is hydrated magnesium silicate.

Asbestos is used in the manufacture of roofs, cement pipes, cement wall board, cement siding, boiler insulation, fire proofing materials, insulators, Brake shoes, cooling towers, Vinyl wall coverings, Vinyl tiles, Pipe insulation, Putties, adhesives, Fire proof textiles, gaskets etc.

Asbestos materials become dangerous when a product's integrity is compromised due to external agents like heat, water, weathering and aging and fibers are released in to the environment. The fibers continue to break in to smaller and smaller particles. The asbestos fibers are having 20 to 500 micron length and 0.5 to 50 micron diameter. The small size and lightweight of the fiber allow them to remain airborne for an extended period after initial release. The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time.

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s and greatly increased during Second World War. It is mined in erstwhile USSR, Canada, US and South Africa. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust particles. Many asbestos diseases remain dormant for years and the symptoms will appear only when they reach advanced stages. By that time there will be irreversible damage to the organs, which can't be restored with the help of treatments available. The Increased risk of developing mesothelioma is found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, factories of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries.



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